Hi Harry, lets start by asking a bit about you, your age, hobbies other than DJing, Star Sign etc....

Well…..my name is Harry Bishop, I come from the land of England and reside in Weston-super-Mare. I am 22, was born 25th September 1985 which makes me a Libra (would like to see a little more birthday greetings this year lol). My hobbies are playing football, going to the gym (when my knee isn’t playing up), going out for a pint or two when I get time, going away on weekends with the boys and you cant beat watching a bit of South Park and the F Word.

You have now had a few main room firewall sets, and the crowds are loving you! Do you think there is a big difference in atmosphere, up for it people and the 'Fun Factor' at Firewall Events which separates us from the rest?

I first went to a firewall years ago on a Thursday night and it was rammed, and if I can remember rightly it was Sy & Storm and Kickback and Adger. I loved the atmosphere, I felt it was very special and different from any other event!
For years after that I was on Jay Frantic’s case for a booking, and he didn’t give me one for ages, until last August. All I can say is for any DJ to step up to that crowd you have got to have some balls!!! The crowd is awesome, the venue is great and that main stage just makes Firewall, Firewall, and you have to do it justice by playing a wicked set. The atmosphere is electric.
Every time I step up to that stage I feel nervous but I don’t know why because every time the Firewall crowds are wicked and for me I work better when I’ve got a great crowd participation, and at Firewall you’ve got just that!
All I’ve got to say to anyone that hasn’t been to a Firewall, is get your ass down here, it’s awesome. It’s the best event in the south west without a doubt! There is a great sense of unity at Firewall, almost like a family, and everyone is so friendly and it’s just a great atmosphere to be apart of.

We know you love your oldskool was there one tune in particular that made you start DJ'ing Hardcore or was there any other elements involved?

I first got into Hardcore when I was at secondary school back in 1999. The one tune that got me into Hardcore and still gives me shivers when I hear it now is Quicksilver on Silk Cuts. This was my first experience of Hardcore with DJ Sy playing and scratching over it got me instantly hooked. I loved the music but also loved Hard House, and as Hardcore was going through a dodgy time back in 1999-2002 I opted to start learning to mix Hard House in 2002. But deep down in my heart, it was always about the CORE. So I started playing Hardcore.
But looking back I’ve grown up with a strong influence with music, with my mum blaring out such classics as ABBA, Beatles and 80’s music (my first love)!
There are lots of elements involved in why I love Hardcore, but it’s just the sheer energy it brings when it’s played, and the reaction you get from it when you drop or hear a tune u know and love!
Grrr it’s just wicked

You are well know for scratching, some say u are the scratch master of the south west...and you make it look easy.. But what is the secret for all those budding djs?

Well thank you (blushes).
It’s a hard one really, everyone always asks if I can teach them how to do it, but I feel it’s so hard to teach someone scratching because everybody does it differently and as I’ve been doing it for years I just do it.
But the way how I first started was watching DJ Sy on DVD’s and his online tutorial (which in on you tube folks) and just really going from there. Also it was great to live in a town where Kickback was situated as it was always good to see how he managed to do it.
I find that scratching is very trial and error…………sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, and yes it’s bloody frustrating but you just have to stick it out! The best thing to do is try and copy the big boys when you first start out, then don’t listen to them because you will start to copy them, which you don’t want to do. Get your own style, its worth the extra time and effort.
AND PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE ;)

You have recently been signed to Higher State Recordings, we've heard you play some of your productions at previous events, do you have any forthcoming releases we should be looking out for?

Yes I do have some tunes coming out in the near future on Higher State. The Virtual Dreams remix I did with the great help of Deejaybee, is coming out as a free download to all those who join the Higher State mailing list when it is set up.
Although I do have a few other things in the pipeline………….. There will be releases for Struggle for Pleasure (with DJ Chaos remix) and Do ya like it.
I am also going up to Northampton to work with the highly skilled Al Storm and Fracus at the end of May. Which I’m sure will be great tunes, so listen out for my tunes in the near future.
Higher State is a wicked label ran by the talented Deejaybee. It was a great honor to be asked to be an artist for the label, and I have very high hopes for the future of this label.
Oh yes people, Higher State 001 is still out to buy in all good record shops, and Higher State 002 is on its way out now as we speak, so buy it.

During the last few years you have been playing at many events and really pushing yourself forward in the hardcore sense, but what is next for dj bishop?

Well I don’t really know to be honest with you lol. It’s been a hard year for me trying to fit all of my university work in, whilst playing out almost every weekend. I’ve almost got used to my sleeping patterns, and I’ve got a gap year this year. So I can concentrate on Hardcore more.
I’m still going to be working very hard in and around the south west. I wouldn’t mind getting some more bookings around Northern England and indeed abroad as I haven’t really played much up north.
I’m going to be working harder than ever in the studio in the forthcoming year and try to push some more tunes out. I’m also going to have a shot at trying to learn to play the piano, but don’t hold your breathe hahahah.
Finally I wouldn’t mind gaining some bigger bookings from guys like Slammin' Vinyl and HTID and doing some live pa’s with Higher State.

Now the Quick Fire Round!!

I'm going to ask you a few Questions, Say what pops into your mind first...

Marmite or Jam? Jam and Raspberry
Indian Food or Chinese Food? Indian
Dougal or Gammer? Gammer.... sorry Dougal
Simpsons or Family Guy? Family Guy! I do love oldskool simpsons though!
Beer or Spirits? Spirits.... they get u twisted more!

So.... If you see Harry Bishop out... he's probably just been down the indian takeaway eating popadoms with raspery jam whilst watching family guy on his MP4 player onto warm up for Gammer at some Hardcore Gig!!
Oh.... and By him a Drink, SPIRITS WILL GET HIM TWISTED!!

Thanks for your time Harry!

We are all very much looking forward to your sets at the next 2 Firewall's in the main room!